At what age is it appropriate to introduce juices, vegetables, fruits, and protein foods to infants?

Introducing juices, vegetables, fruits, and protein foods to infants typically begins around 4 to 6 months of age. At this stage, most infants are developmentally ready to start exploring solid foods, as they have gained better head and neck control and are able to sit up with support. This is also the critical period when their nutritional needs begin to extend beyond breast milk or formula alone, as they start to require additional nutrients that solid foods can provide.

During this phase, introducing pureed or soft foods can help infants learn to accept different tastes and textures, which is essential for their development. By starting with fruits and vegetables, parents can promote healthy eating habits early on. Protein-rich foods can also be introduced gradually, providing necessary nutrients to support growth and development.

Waiting until after 6 months can lead to delays in food acceptance and exploration, which may impact the child's willingness to try various foods later on. Therefore, 4-6 months is the appropriate window for introducing these foods to infants, ensuring they receive a balanced diet while fostering healthy eating habits.